Former Athlete Builds Life-Changing Program for Black Youth

YMCA program in Burlington, Vermont helps kids tap into their potential through exercise and community support.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Jervaughn Scales, a former professional basketball player, started a program called Black Youth in Action at the Burlington YMCA to help local Black youth find support, connection, and opportunities through exercise and mentorship. The program provides free YMCA memberships, weekly gift cards, and helps members explore careers and build good habits.

Why it matters

The program aims to provide a positive outlet for Black youth in Burlington, a predominantly white city, and help them develop skills, find role models, and stay off the streets. It highlights the power of community-based initiatives to empower underserved youth and create pathways to success.

The details

Scales started the program after noticing a group of kids sneaking into the YMCA to work out, and decided to help them instead of kicking them out. The program now has 25 members aged 13-18 who gather monthly for meetings, community service, and field trips. Members receive free YMCA memberships and weekly gift cards to a local grocery store if they stick to program commitments. The program has helped members like 21-year-old Mbula Adolph find jobs and explore their passions.

  • Scales started the program 6 years ago.
  • The program now meets monthly.

The players

Jervaughn Scales

A former professional basketball player who started the Black Youth in Action program at the Burlington YMCA.

Mbula Adolph

A 21-year-old member of the Black Youth in Action program who says it helped him find a job at Subaru.

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What they’re saying

“I noticed that they were trying to work out, and they didn't know what they were doing. So, I decided to help, and that's how I found out they were sneaking in.”

— Jervaughn Scales, Founder, Black Youth in Action (WCAX)

“I didn't have any opportunities like this. So, I decided to let the kids come as long as I was there.”

— Jervaughn Scales, Founder, Black Youth in Action (WCAX)

“This is a really good group for achieving, you know, finding something in life to do.”

— Mbula Adolph, Member, Black Youth in Action (WCAX)

What’s next

The program is working to partner with more local businesses to help members explore career opportunities.

The takeaway

The Black Youth in Action program demonstrates the transformative power of community-based initiatives that provide underserved youth with mentorship, resources, and opportunities to develop their skills and passions, ultimately helping them build better futures.